Page 96 of These Bonds that Unite Us
“Okay,” I mutter. Taking several deep breaths, I let his soft floral scent absorb the worst of my stress. “Okay,” I repeat a little more firmly this time.
He leads me to the couch, kissing the top of my head while I dial my sister’s number. Nebula walks into the room as the call is connecting, and I can faintly hear Cal telling him what upset me. Having a bond where they can feel my every emotion is strange and a little frustrating. I’m so used to regulating what I show to the world, the lack of barrier has me off kilter.
“Hello gremlin,” Hannah laughs as she answers. “How was your heat?”
“It was exhausting but nice.” I pause, swallowing thickly around the lump forming in my throat. “I’m sorry I missed–”
“Nope! You can’t control your heats, Omen. I know you would have been here if you could. Plus, you’ve never witnessed a woman giving birth before so I’m not sure you would have enjoyed it. It’s gross.”
“Beautiful,” Foster shouts in the background. “She means beautiful!”
I can practically hear Hannah rolling her eyes as she shushes him. “Have you spoken with Donovan at all?”
“Not yet. He messaged me asking me to call him, but I wanted to talk to you first.” I want to avoid whatever news he has about our family for as long as possible.
“They haven’t told me much yet, but Shepherd has been an overprotective menace for… well ever, but even more so than usual over the past week.”
Soft cries fill the line, making my heart squeeze. I haven’t been able to spend a lot of time around babies, but I don’t think anyone is immune to cuteness overload around a newborn.
“They arrested Ben,” I tell her. “He tried to break into our house with a bunch of mercenaries right before my heat started.”
“Jesus,” she curses. “I know Jacquelyn’s held a grudge against you for years, but this seems excessive.”
“She was arrested too.” Remembering my sister-in-law’s attempt to kidnap me makes me shudder. I’m over being threatened by my birth family. “I guess they can’t have kids. Ben because of his surgery, her for some unknown reason.”
“And they wanted to use you to continue the Montgomery line? That’s despicable.” Hannah fake gags, making me giggle.
“Montgomery-Pierson,” I correct, lining my tone with disgust.
“Even worse. Well, call Donovan. He may need you for the trial. Despite the video evidence showing everything you’d have to testify about. The church’s silent backers are trying to manipulate the system to fight Father’s charges.”
Her news doesn’t surprise me. I expected them to lash out in any way they could. It’s what their entire belief system in New Hampshire taught them to do. “Alright, I’ll call him soon. Can I visit you tomorrow?”
“Of course! I’ll let Foster and Shep know, so we can have lunch together!”
I end the call with her and immediately dial Donovan’s number. He doesn’t answer, so I shoot him a text instead. He’s probably busy with DAU work, so he can call me back when he’s free.
“Feeling better, babygirl?” Nebula asks. He’s leaning over the back of the couch in a cut-off shirt that has wisps of arousal blooming to life in my core.
Nope, this omega’s body is off limits for at least the next twenty four hours.
“I guess.” I shrug. My emotions are still too haywire for me to sort through them.
He hums, twining a piece of my hair around his finger and tugging lightly. “Let’s grab some snacks and go binge-watch crime dramas in your nest. We can visit your sister and take care of work tomorrow.”
“Nachos?” I ask with a hopeful look in my eyes.
“Anything you want, little Omega, it’s yours. Now get your ass back in the nest.”
“Well, Omen, I have good news,” Donovan says as soon as I pick up the call. “Your brother has taken a plea deal. He agreedto testify against your father in exchange for carrying out his sentence at a more secure facility.”
“So, I don’t have to testify in the trial?” I ask hesitantly.
“Hopefully not, however, it all depends on how far the opposition is willing to push this.”
Which means I could still end up taking the stand and facing my father again. Because there is no way his brainwashed followers are going to give up easily.
“Okay. Keep me informed, please.”
